Youth donates money to Make-A-Wish Foundation

December 9, 2012

By Ed Harris
Editor

A Derynoski School student has helped raise over $900 dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, bringing her two year total to close to $1,700.
Olivia Genovese, 10, was honored at the school last week by Kim Smith, development director for Make-A- Wish. Olivia was given a t-shirt and a special certificate.
This is the second year that Olivia has raised money for Make-A-Wish. Last year she raised over $800.
“I had fun doing it last year and decided to do it again,” Olivia said.
Like last year, Olivia had the help of her classmates at Derynoski. Olivia helped coordinate a hat day at the school to raise the donation. Students were allowed to wear their hat during school hours, something not normally allowed, if they brought in change for the cause.
“This is unique,” said Derynoski Principal Jan Verderame. “It’s kids raising the money.”
With the help of her classmates, Olivia was able to raise $901.98. The money will be added to other Make-A-Wish donations to help grant a wish for a sick child.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation aids kids between the ages of 2 and 18 and will try to grant the wish of a child with a life threatening medical condition.
Smith said the average cost of a wish is $8,500.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation will let the school know whose wish they helped come true. Last year’s donation helped send a young girl McKenzie to Disneyland with her family.
“The doctors provide the medicine and we provide the magic, with special friends like Olivia,” Smith said.

By Tammi NaudusDerynoski School student Olivia Genovese was honored at the school last week by Make-A-Wish Development Director Kim Smith.